Practicing psychiatrist and jazz pianist extraordinaire, Denny Zeitlin has long been considered one of the finest exponents of his craft and here with, As Long As There’s Music, the artist elegantly performs a series of standards and a few originals along with a top notch rhythm section. Basically, Zeitlin epitomizes taste and flair, while garnering the sympathetic support of bassist Buster Williams and drummer Al Foster, who collectively bring years of seasoned experience to the table, which is quite evident on this new release as they surge onward with quiet intensity and swinging aplomb.
Zeitlin interweaves majestic melodies with complex voicings on the title track, yet also subtly reinvents the primary theme with quotes, fluid soloing and multicolored textures. The pianist implements mild, delicately swinging and animated lines on, “There And Back”. However, “Canyon” is all about understated themes coupled with radiant lyricism and rapid single note leads as the trio builds upon a medium tempo swing vamp amid a few well placed diversions and Buster Williams’ soulful bass lines. Here, Zeitlin performs with the articulation of a classically trained pianist as he dazzles with swiftly executed and harmonically rich block chords. Otherwise, the pianist renders investigative and imaginative treatment of time honored standards such as John Coltrane’s “Cousin Mary”, Jobim’s “Twist” and others. Recommended!
* * * * (Out of * * * * *) ( 32 Records
